Improvement in croquet-wickets



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FRIEND W. SMITH, JR., OF B RIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.

4 Letters Patent No. 88,335, (lated Ma/rch 30, 1869.

IIVLPROVEMENT IN CROQUET'WICKETS.

To all whom 'it may concern Bc it known that I, FRIEND W. SMITH, Jr., of Bridgeport, in the county of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Croquet-Wicketgof which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The object of the h'rst part of my invention is to render the wickets elastic laterally, to prevent their being thrown down by the players coming iu contact with them, and also to prevent injury -to the players or their clothing; to which end,

My improvement consists in a novel method of combining helical springs with the arches, or wickets, substantially as hereinafter set forth.

. My invention further consists in so hinging a label to the wicket, to receive a nuuber, that the labell may yield when struck by the ball ormallet.

The object of the next part of my invention is to enable the wickets easily to be removed; and

My improvement consists in a novel method of combining, with swing-wickets, vertical rods, bent to form The Wicket is formed of a single Wire, C, bent in its middle in the usual shape, lbut 'having helical springs C near each end.

v The ends of the wire are straight, so that they can be inserted in the eyes b b', and the wickets can thus be readily set up or removed.

A label, D, may be attached to each wicket, to receive a number or mark.

I prefer helical springs, as they allow a large range of motion, and yet support the wicket properly.

Thewside-posts B may, if preferred, be inserted directly into the ground.

hat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination, substantially as set forth, with a croquet-wicket, of spiral springs, which allow the wicket to yield laterally. f

2. The combination, substantially as set forth, of vertical supports, provided with eyes, and spring-wickets, for the purposes specified.

3. The combination, with the yielding spring-wicket, of the numbered hinged label, arranged and operating as'aud for the purpose described.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

FRIEND W. SMITH, JR. Witnesses:

CURTIS THOMPSON, D. F. HoLLIsTER. 

